History must inspire, not remain a ‘silent witness’, says National Archives chief as Malaysia marks 69 years of independence

As Malaysia remembers 69 years since its independence, the National Archives of Malaysia (ANM) emphasizes that history should be more than a mere collection of facts, acting as an inspiration and a guide for the nation's progress. While archives primarily serve government needs, ANM director-general Zaidin Mohd Noor maintains that their core role is to educate and improve society.

The ANM safeguards records from both official and private sources, including oral history interviews, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of events.

Zaidin argues that to grasp the significance of the Proclamation of Independence at Stadium Merdeka, one must also examine the stadium's construction, architecture, and the people involved. The ANM currently stores around 30,000 archival files, totaling 200,000 pages, related to the Malayan Union—a British-administered system introduced in 1946. However, this system was met with resistance and was replaced by the Federation of Malaya in 1948.

By studying these documents, Malaysians can learn about the nation's formation and appreciate the country's achievements, fostering a sense of pride in their history. Zaidin acknowledges that while ANM has preserved records of Malaysia's nation-building, some gaps remain in the historical record, necessitating ongoing efforts to fill these gaps and provide context to events like the lowering of the Union Jack and raising of the Malayan flag on August 31, 1957.

He contends that a more extensive historical record would prevent assumptions and enable future generations to comprehend past events with factual certainty. Ultimately, he stresses that by accepting the past as it occurred, history can transform from a silent witness into a source of guidance for the present and future.